Faults:

Rear power window motor needed replacing when purchased - dealer covered.

General Comments:

Economy: for a heavy, torquey, big engine the economy is pretty decent around town. My commute isn't the most economical, but it tends to do around 11l/100km. On a long trip the car is tempting to push around; if doing this the economy is 9l/100km. The best economy I've had is 8.2l/100km. I was expecting a little better on long trips because of it being such a small car with 6 gears.

Comfort: the suspension is firm, but it's not uncomfortable. I've had two m-spec 3 series and they were uncomfortable cars around town. This has a quiet and well appointed cabin, and on non-sporty type drives out of town, the car is comfortable at a whole range of speeds.

Performance: it's very quick for a small car. This was designed to pair alongside the R32, and while it isn't 4WD, it is slightly faster off the mark. Overtaking vehicles is a breeze and the engine just keeps on giving. It's very quick. Does 0-100 typically in 6 seconds.

Handling: the car has the m-spec suspension, with 18 inch alloys, and it also has strut-bars front and rear. The handling is epic in corners and gives great road-feedback. The strut-bars I believe have made a difference to the chassis as the 130i is probably too heavy/powerful on stock. The grip and balance of the vehicle is the best I've felt in a BMW.

Looks: I think the One Series is an interesting and original visual car which is good-looking - it's not as good looking as some other BMWs (such as the e46), but it holds its place. I will be getting the windows tinted to make the car look more aggressive.

Interior: it isn't an amazing interior as it's positioned as an entry level BMW, however as it's the 130i it has heated leather seats, leather steering wheel, dimming rear mirror and full climate control. The rest is a bit plasticky, but this is not a 3 Series.

I've had this car for a year and have not had any indication of issues that may crop up or any current minor niggles. I do anticipate with a little more age on the car that I will be forking out for things.

Faults:

Nothing. Just learning the control electronics takes some time and persistence; but isn't that the case with most luxury cars.

General Comments:

I couldn't wait to write this review because I feel I have an obligation to let the secret out. The 125 makes the Honda Integra (which I traded), seem very ordinary.

I cannot fault this car. It is so well designed and so well made that it just shines in every aspect (BMW take a bow - I wish all cars were made to this high standard).

Pickup and power are great (can't use much more in our crowded city traffic), fuel economy is good, handling is superb, comfort is OK (with 18" runflats) and cabin and external styling is the best around. I cannot say enough glowing words about the great styling. I am waiting for the avalanche of Japanese and Korean copy cats.

Clearly the car is still running in and feels a bit tight, but that is not noticed on the road. Now I drive to the other side of the city to pickup the Saturday morning newspaper. It is a drivers car and it makes you want to drive and drive. Corners are straightened and hills flattened with ridiculous ease. This car is destined to become one of the all time classics.

BMW has my patronage captured for many, many years.